Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Exams and Tests
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is diagnosed by the combination of your medical history, your symptoms, a physical exam, and lab test results.
Medical history
Your doctor may ask you a number of questions, such as what your symptoms are, what method of birth control you use, and whether you or your partner engage in Reference high-risk sexual behaviors.
Physical exam
Your exam for PID will include a Reference pelvic exam.
You will also be tested for Reference gonorrhea, Reference chlamydia, and Reference bacterial vaginosis.
Lab tests
- A Reference pregnancy test is done to rule out the possibility of a Reference tubal (ectopic) pregnancy.
- Blood tests are used to look for signs of inflammation or infection. Tests include:
- A blood or urine Reference culture Opens New Window is used to look for infection.
Imaging tests
- Reference Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound. It can show internal organs on a computer screen.
- Reference Laparoscopy. The doctor inserts a lighted viewing instrument into the belly to look for signs of infection and scar tissue.
- Reference MRI or Reference CT scan. These tests are used in rare cases if symptoms aren't improving with treatment or an ultrasound has shown a possible growth or abscess that needs to be further evaluated.
Early detection
Yearly Reference chlamydia Opens New Window testing for young, sexually active women is thought to reduce the number of cases of PID. This screening is recommended by experts.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 7, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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